DOD to Deploy Ballistic Missile Defense System to Guam

The Defense Department will deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, or THAAD, ballistic missile defense system to Guam in the coming weeks as a precautionary move to strengthen the regional defense posture against the North Korean regional ballistic missile threat, Pentagon officials announced today.

The THAAD system is a land-based missile defense system that includes a truck-mounted launcher, a complement of interceptor missiles, an AN/TPY-2 tracking radar and an integrated fire control system. This deployment will strengthen defense capabilities for American citizens in the U.S. territory of Guam and U.S. forces stationed there, officials said in a statement announcing the deployment.

The United States continues to urge the North Korean leadership to cease provocative threats and choose the path of peace by complying with its international obligations, remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations, and stands ready to defend U.S. territory, allies and national interests, the statement said.